France, Bordeaux

Margaux Deuxième cru 1855 Château Lascombes was originally part of a larger estate that included what is now Château Durfort-Vivens. The estate passed through many hands with one of the more notable owners being Jean-Jules Théophile, a successful lawyer, who built today's château and purchased the neighbouring Château Marquis d'Alesme-Becker with a view to amalgamating the two. His death, in 1923, put an end to that plan and Marquis d'Alesme-Becker was sold off. Years of decline were arrested in 1951, when Alexis Lichine bought Château Lascombes, having bought Château Prieuré-Lichine the year before. In order to fund much needed investment, Alexis needed financial backers - financial backers who sold the estate to Bass Charrington in 1971. Bass Charrington continued to invest in Château Lascombes but the results were less than exciting. More dynamic new owners - Capital Colony - in 2001 have seen considerable improvements, however. Alain Reynaud was installed to head up the team, which included Michel Rolland on oenology. The 84ha of vineyard are planted to 50% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon with the rest Petit Verdot. The grand vin sees quite a high proportion of new wood, in some years as much as 100%.